By Margaret Singer, M.D.
In a recent prostate cancer study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, found that the cannabinoids in Rick Simpson Oil inhibited prostate carcinoma growth. Preclinical studies suggest that certain cannabinoids in RSO suppositories have anti-cancer properties which are able to shrink prostate tumors in participants.
The rationale behind using RSO suppositories for prostate cancer is based on the idea of providing localized administration of the active compounds. The close proximity of the rectum to the prostate allows for more direct contact and absorption. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that this is the only method of treating cancer using RSO.
One notable case is that of Václav Novák, 67, who suffers from prostate issues. In 2013, doctors found signs of cancer, measuring a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of more than 10. They scheduled him to begin chemotherapy three months later.
Immediately after the diagnosis, Novák began using 1-gram suppositories, each containing one-tenth of a gram of cannabis extract with more than 70 percent THC and around 5 percent CBD. “I did not feel any high, which was a big difference from oral consumption, when 0.1 gram would get me couch-locked for half a day,” he said.
“I just felt pretty relaxed and slept much better. And the best thing was, when I went to the hospital after three months, there was no need for chemotherapy or any other treatment. Much to my doctor’s surprise, my PSA was back to zero.”
Typically, these studies explore how cannabinoids might interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system or how they might affect cancer cells. This can include:
- Promoting Apoptosis: Some studies suggest cannabinoids may induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. Apoptosis is one of the ways the body naturally disposes of cells that are old, damaged, or have other problems. Some cancer cells are able to evade apoptosis, allowing them to proliferate unchecked.
- Inhibiting Cell Proliferation: Cannabinoids might inhibit cancer cell proliferation, meaning they might prevent the cells from dividing and multiplying. Preventing Angiogenesis: Some studies suggest cannabinoids might inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form. Tumors need to create new blood vessels to supply themselves with nutrients, so inhibiting angiogenesis can slow tumor growth.
- Modulating the Immune Response: Cannabinoids might also have effects on the immune system that could potentially affect cancer growth, although this area is not well understood.